Guillemot (Uria aalge)
Species
Guillemot (Uria aalge). Taken at Bempton Cliffs, E. Yorks, on July 1st 2014.
Taken at Bempton Cliffs, E. Yorks, on July 1st 2014.
(1/400th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 38 - 46 cm; WS: 61 - 73 cm

The Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird. It is brown above and white below. It has a pointed black beak, which is unlike the deep blunt bill of the similar Razorbill.

It is most common in southwest and northeast England, parts of Wales, north and east Scotland and most of Ireland. In winter it is widespread around UK coasts but usually stays well offshore.

The breeding habitat is sheer cliffs with rocky ledges.

Guillemots come to land only to nest, spending the rest of their lives at sea.

It has Amber conservation status as it is vulnerable to oil spills. Around 1.4 million pairs breed in Britain.

Sightings

21-May-2019 : Little Minch, Scotland
19-May-2019 : Little Minch, Scotland

16-Jun-2015 : Heddon Valley, Devon (40+)

01-Jul-2014 : Bempton Cliffs, E. Yorks
08-May-2014 : Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire
06-May-2014 : Skomer, Pembrokeshire

17-Apr-2011 : Isles of Scilly

04-Jun-2008 : Farne Islands, Northumberland

12-Jun-2003 : Isles of Scilly

13-Jul-1999 : Isles of Scilly

08-Apr-1997 : Isles of Scilly